Spring into Action

Spring is a great time to explore! So come and pack your days with as much fun as possible. Saratoga has everything you need to plan the perfect spring getaway with that special someone in your life or your entire family. We will help you start your planning with some fun ideas and great spring stay packages. And don't forget to check out all the other great things to do in Saratoga throughout the seasons! Take in an intimate theater experience, or step back in time with the Saratoga National Historical Park, or just marvel at the change of seasons this weekend in Saratoga. Highlights of Saratoga Happenings are below.

Saratoga Horse Show

May 4-22, 20168AM - 5PMYaddo Show Grounds, Union Ave.

The first USEF Premier (AA) Rating and USEF Jumper 4/3 Rating Outdoor Show in the Northeast, featuring Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation classes held in three rings is once again, extended an extra week! Come watch top equestrians from all along the east coast, the Midwest, and eastern Canada compete for prizes.

Spring Auto Show

May 13-14, 2016Fri 8AM-3PM; Sat 10AM-3PMSaratoga Automobile Museuem

The celebration of SAMs Annual Spring Autoshow and the Museum's biggest fundraiser of the year features Model T Fords, Model A Fords, Pre-1972 Muscle Cars and Pre-1949 Street Rods. Plus, games & activities for the kids, driving simulators, photo-ops and kids choice judging.

SPAC Rock & Run

May 15, 20167:30AMSPAC, Saratoga Spa State Park

One of SPAC's favorite fundraising events to benefit their Classical Programming will feature the new Half Marathon, 5k, 10k, and Kids 50 Yard Dash through the beautiful State Park. Enjoy a post-race party with live music, refreshments, children's activities and free obstacle course for the community.

GottaGetGon Festival

May 27-29, 2016Saratoga County FairgroundsBallston Spa

Bring your dancing shoes, singing voice and a chair for an intimate family folk music experience like no other. Held every year Memorial Day Weekend for over 40 years, entertaining all ages with great music, workshops, concerts and just good ol' fun!

Live Harness Racing

May 1 - 31, 2016Thursday through Sunday, times varySaratoga Casino and Raceway

In 2016, the Saratoga Casino & Raceway will welcome back live harness racing with its 75th season on their beautiful half-mile track. Come bet on the ponies, then try your luck on the gaming floor with over 1,700 slot machines, grab a bite to eat at one of their dining options and dance the night away at one of the region's hottest night clubs.

First Friday Ballston Spa

May 6, 20166PM - 9PMDowntown Ballston Spa

Visit the village of Ballston Spa on the First Friday of every month and enjoy special happenings in many of our downtown shops, restaurants and galleries. Live music, art displays, refreshments and featured shop promotions. Free family movies in Wiswall Park at dusk during June, July and August.

Waterford Canal Fest

May 14, 20169AM - 6PMWaterford Canal

Join us for this annual event as we welcome new and returning vendors to line the banks of the Erie Canal. Enjoy live music, dance performances, children's activities, kayaking, educational walks and presentations and more. Admission is free.

Annual Saratoga Brewfest

May 21, 20162PM - 6PMSaratoga Race Course

Upstate New York's biggest and best craft beer festival! Enjoy unlimited sampling of over 150 beers from the country's best craft breweries. As always there will live music, various vendors and delicious food! Grab a VIP tickets to sample rare brews, meet the brewers and enjoy an extra hour of fun.

Get Into the Swing of It

Golf Courses throughout Saratoga CountySpring through Fall

Saratoga is a golfer's paradise with award-winning courses at every turn. From the pristine links at Saratoga National Golf Club to the unique landing strip at Airway Meadows, you're sure to find a course to suit your tastes. The golf courses in the Saratoga area are all ready for you to tee off!

The Derby Party

May 7, 20163:30PM - 7:30PMNational Racing Museum

This year's theme is all things Kentucky, featuring delicious samplings of local brews and spirits, as well as signature Kentucky inspired dishes and drinks from local restaurants, live music and a live airing of the Kentucky Derby in the sport's Official Hall of Fame: the biggest screen in Saratoga!

Bike Summit

May 14, 201611AM - 4PMSaratoga National Historic Park

May is National Bike Month, so join Saratoga NHP staff, national and local bike outfitters, and local bike clubs to prep your gear for the 2016 biking season. Events to include bike tune-ups, safety checks, and a 5-mile ranger-guided bike tour! Rain date Sunday, May 15.

Memorial Day Parade

May 26, 20166:30PM - 8PMStarts at Union & Nelson Avenue

The City of Saratoga Springs invites you to the 2016 Memorial Day Parade and Commemorative Ceremony. Join our local veteran groups to honor all those lost in service to our country. Local organizations including the police and fire departments, marching bands, as well as Vintage and classic cars.

Summer Farmers' Markets

May through October 201611AM - 4PMSaratoga National Historic Park

May marks the beginning of our outdoor farmers' markets! Saratoga's agricultural excellence is revered by locals and visitors alike. Take in fresh, locally grown produce, hand-made products, and live music. See www.spacityfarmersmarket.com/ and www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/ for sites and details.

Or Simply Come and Explore All that Saratoga Has to Offer

No matter whether you're a theater buff, racing aficionado, olympic shopper, or history buff, there's something in Saratoga for you!

Mineral Springs

It was news of healing waters that first brought visitors to Saratoga. Today you can walk or drive around downtown Saratoga and sample over a dozen natural flowing and carbonated springs.

Explore History

We have historical sites and museums that feature classic automobiles, horse racing, glass bottles, military artifacts and so much more. The Saratoga National Historical Park’s tour road is open to cars, bikers and hikers, so you can enjoy and learn in the way that pleases you most.

State and City Parks

Saratoga is located in the Foothills of the Adirondacks, which means outdoor activities are abundant. Saratoga has thousands of acres to explore through nature hikes and mountain biking. Congress Park is nestled right downtown with lawns, statues, museum, ponds, mineral springs and a Circa 1910 restored carousel. Just off Broaday is the expansive Saratoga Spa State Park with acres of land, miles of trails, two golf courses, playgrounds, picnic areas and more. Be sure you don't forget the many nature preserves around Saratoga County.

Arts

Saratoga has many cultural treasures with Saratoga Arts at the Arts Center located right downtown, as well as an eclectic and revitalized neighborhood designated as the Beekman Street Art District. Visitors will also find numerous exhibits, galleries, "how to" workshops, museum, art shows and art events, including First Saturdays. We’re also home to Skidmore College, with its teaching museum, state-of-the-art music center and theater department.

Casino

Enjoy live harness racing at Saratoga Casino & Raceway, along with over 1,700 state-of-the-art video gaming machines and simulcast broadcasting. There are also several dining options on site, as well as the Capital Region’s hottest night club - Vapor. Catch the racing action Friday through Sunday, as well as most Wednesdays and try your luck on the gaming floor seven days a week.

Music

There is live music throughout downtown Saratoga Springs, in the bars, jazz clubs and wine bars. There are also a number of dance events and concerts. Skidmore College’s Arthur Zankel Music Center is new place to watch a musical performance, including jazz, guitar ensemble, recitals and more.

Ride the Rapids

Great whitewater rafting may be one of Saratoga’s best kept secrets. Visitors can experience Class II and III rapids with some of the best guides around. With controlled water release on the Great Sacandaga River, there are waves to ride all day and just not at peak times. Opening is weather dependent but is usually in full-swing by Memorial Day Weekend.

Check Out A Car Show

The Saratoga Automobile Museum preserves, interprets, and exhibits automobiles and automotive artifacts. The museum features regular exhibits, as well as special events and lawn show series. Their popular Spring Invitatinal is a must attend event.

Horsin' Around

Spring brings the start of horse shows in Saratoga. Top riders from all around will showcase their Hunter and Jumper skills at the annual Saratoga Springs Horse Show. And there will be nothing but elegance and grace at the Annual Dressage at Saratoga at the end of May.